Norfolk, Va. - The Lady Monarch rowing team is getting ready to head to sunny Florida for its inaugural spring training trip. After an unseasonably cold winter in Norfolk, the Lady Monarchs are ready to put all of their winter training to the test on the calm, warm waters of Cocoa Beach, Fla. next week during Old Dominion's spring break.

"The team has worked incredibly hard this winter and they're really excited to see how it all comes together on the water," said head coach Heather Weisel. "Since this is the very first spring training trip for the brand new Division I Lady Monarch rowing team, each aspect of the trip will be a new experience for everyone in a year of firsts."

The week will culminate with a race in Melbourne, Fla., the Governor's Cup on Canal 54, against the Florida Institute of Technology, Nova Southeastern University and Dowling College.

"This regatta is a great opportunity to experience sprint racing against very competitive teams," adds Weisel. Nova Southeastern has had a strong presence in the NCAA and both Dowling and FIT had really successful fall seasons this year. Our goals are to use the racing strategies and focus skills we'll learn over break and see where our fitness training leads us."

ODU rowing will follow up this trip with a race against Clemson University on April 4.